Penis Envy mushrooms are among the most potent psilocybe cubensis strains. They deliver intense effects and boast a unique appearance.
How do they stack up against other popular magic mushroom strains? We compare Penis Envy shrooms to other strains in terms of their potency, effects, appearance, and ideal users.
Whether you’re a seasoned psychonaut or new to psilocybe cubensis, understanding potency can help you find the right strain to match your experience level and intentions.
Let’s find out what makes Penis Envy stand out in the world of medicinal fungi.
What are Penis Envy mushrooms?
If you’ve spent any time in psychedelic circles, you’ve probably heard about Penis Envy mushrooms. They’ve become a legend in the psilocybe cubensis world, as these aren’t your average shrooms.
Penis Envy mushrooms are instantly recognizable when you look at them. Unlike other strains that have classic umbrella-shaped caps, these mushrooms look similar to a human penis.1
They have thick, girthy stems that are a lot more robust than other mushroom strains. They also have unusually small, underdeveloped caps that barely seem to open. This unique morphology shows their genetic distinctiveness.
Penis Envy was reportedly developed by legendary ethnobotanist and psychonaut Terence McKenna.2
He wanted to isolate and breed the most potent strains of Psilocybe cubensis. He selected and bred mushrooms from the most powerful specimens. Over time, he created a strain that would become known for its exceptional strength.
Because of their potency, Penis Envy mushrooms aren’t recommended for beginners. Even experienced psychonauts should approach them with respect and start with small doses.
Penis Envy mushroom potency: Why it’s so strong
Penis Envy stands out for its extraordinary potency. Most psilocybe cubensis mushrooms have around 0.5–1% psilocybe cubensis by dry weight. Penis Envy shrooms can contain up to 2–3 times that amount, at around 1.5–2.5% psilocybe cubensis.3
Even a small dose can deliver an intense psychedelic experience that’s more powerful than other strains. The high concentration of psilocybe cubensis doesn’t just mean a stronger trip. It can also bring more intense visual and introspective experiences.4
Some people say they experience deeper philosophical ideas, more vivid hallucinations, and a more transformative journey with PE compared to other psilocybe cubensis strains.
Here’s how Penis Envy compares to other types of medicinal fungi in terms of potency:
- Golden Teacher: 0.6–1% psilocybe cubensis
- B+: 0.7–1.2% psilocybe cubensis
- Albino A+: 1–1.5% psilocybe cubensis
- Penis Envy: 1.5–2.5% psilocybe cubensis
Recommended dosages
Here’s the typical dosage for Penis Envy mushrooms in dry weight6:
- Microdose: 0.1–0.3 grams
- Mild experience: 0.5–1 gram
- Moderate experience: 1–1.5 grams
- Strong experience: 1.5–2 grams
- Intense journey: 2–3 grams (only recommended for advanced users)
The intense potency of PE can be overwhelming for beginners. It may result in intense visual hallucinations, deep psychological introspection, strong emotional experiences, and a higher likelihood of challenging psychological encounters.
Experienced users often recommend that first-timers avoid Penis Envy altogether. It’s better to start with gentler strains like Golden Teacher or B+ if you’re new to psilocybe cubensis. They offer a more manageable introduction to psychedelic experiences.
The unique genetic profile of Penis Envy changes the nature of the psychedelic journey. The higher concentration of psilocybe cubensis means that every gram hits differently.
Psilocybin mushrooms shouldn’t be seen as a recreational party favor. They’re a powerful tool for potential psychological exploration that requires careful consideration, respect, preparation, and a controlled setting7.
Comparing Penis Envy mushrooms to other psilocybe cubensis strains
When it comes to medicinal fungi, not all strains are created equal. Let’s look at how Penis Envy shrooms stack up against other popular psilocybe cubensis varieties.
Golden Teacher
With moderate potency, Golden Teacher is often the go-to strain for first-time psychonauts. It offers a gentle introduction to the psychedelic world8.
- Potency: Low to moderate (0.6–1% psilocybe cubensis)
- Experience: Soft, welcoming, educational journey
- Effects: Gentle, balanced, nurturing
- Perfect For: Beginners looking for a gentle first experience with mild introspection
B+
The B+ strain is consistent, predictable, and offers a smooth ride9.
- Potency: Moderate (0.7–1.2% psilocybe cubensis)
- Experience: Smooth, controlled journey
- Effects: Relaxed, creative, spiritually open
- Perfect For: People seeking a comfortable, consistent, and predictable experience
Albino A+
Albino A+ offers an interesting middle ground. It’s more potent than most strains, but not quite as intense as Penis Envy10.
- Potency: High (1–1.5% psilocybe cubensis)
- Experience: Powerful but manageable
- Effects: Intense visuals, deep emotional exploration
- Perfect For: People looking for similar intensity to PE, but a slightly more manageable approach
Other strains
Other strains, like Mazatapec, are entry-level mushrooms, perfect for those seeking a milder experience11.
- Potency: Low (0.5–0.8% psilocybe cubensis)
- Experience: Gentle, uplifting
- Effects: Mild euphoria, light visuals, mood enhancement
- Perfect For: Microdosing, casual exploration
Penis Envy mushrooms are in a league of their own. While other strains offer gentle explorations, Penis Envy delivers a profound journey into consciousness.
Remember, your choice of medicinal fungi should depend on your experience level, mental state, and intentions.
Penis Envy mushroom effects vs. other strains
Penis Envy mushrooms deliver a deeply profound expedition into consciousness. Here are the Penis Envy mushroom effects you can expect12:
- Visual experience: Vivid hallucinations that can feel hyper-real
- Emotional depth: Intense emotional revelations that hit straight to your core
- Introspection: Deep, sometimes overwhelming, psychological exploration
- Spiritual potential: Life-changing connections to your inner self and universal consciousness
- Euphoria: Powerful sense of joy and connectedness
The experience is often described as a full-sensory override. Most people report also these Penis Envy mushroom effects13:
- Time seeming to dissolve
- Intense color and pattern perception
- Deep philosophical ideas
- Potential for ego dissolution
- Heightened emotional sensitivity
Here’s a comparison of the various magic mushroom strain effects14:
Strain | Potency | Duration | Experience | Intensity |
Penis Envy | Very high | 4–6 hours | Intense and transformative | Extreme |
Albino A+ | High | 4–5 hours | Deep and emotional | Strong |
B+ | Moderate | 3–4 hours | Spiritual and creative | Moderate |
Golden Teacher | Low to moderate | 3–4 hours | Gentle and introspective | Mild |
Mazatapec | Low | 3–4 hours | Euphoric and uplifting | Mild |
Some users describe Penis Envy as a “spiritual catalyst”. This strain is a powerful tool for personal insight. It isn’t meant for a casual recreational experience, it’s meant for a serious journey of potential self-discovery.

Who should use Penis Envy mushrooms?
Let’s be honest, Penis Envy mushrooms aren’t for everyone. Let’s look at who can benefit most from this strain below.
Experienced users: Consider your history
Penis Envy might be a good option if you have a solid foundation in psychedelic experiences. These mushrooms are ideal for people who:
- Have many experiences with moderate to strong psilocybe cubensis strains
- Understand their personal psychological spectrum
- Can deal with intense emotional and sensory experiences
- Are able to keep their composure during challenging trips
- Are comfortable with potential ego dissolution
- Have knowledge of advanced meditation or mindfulness practices
The PE mushroom strain requires skill, preparation, and a deep understanding of your own psychological terrain.
Beginners: Proceed with caution
Penis Envy is typically a no-no for total newcomers to the psychedelic world. Here’s why:
- Overwhelming potency can trigger strong anxiety
- High risk of experiencing a bad trip
- Potential for traumatic psychological experiences
- Lack of coping mechanisms for intense sensory and emotional shifts
- A higher chance of feeling lost or disoriented
Beginners should start with gentler options, like Golden Teacher or B+. These strains provide a smoother introduction to psilocybe cubensis and allow you to build psychological resilience and understanding.
Therapeutic potential
For experienced psychedelic users, Penis Envy mushrooms can be a powerful tool for therapeutic exploration and personal growth.
These mushrooms offer a pathway to deep psychological introspection. They can help you address mental health patterns, explore unresolved emotional trauma, and promote personal transformation15.
Research suggests that intense psychedelic experiences might offer relief from treatment-resistant depression. They may also help break habitual negative thought patterns and offer new ideas into your psychological landscape.
Therapeutic use isn’t a DIY project. Responsible magic mushroom use involves:
- Professional guidance or supervision
- A carefully controlled setting
- Clear intentions
- Integration support after the experience
- Proper mental and physical preparation
People that should avoid Penis Envy mushrooms
Here’s a list of people who should consider other strains over PE shrooms16:
- First-time psychedelic users
- People with a history of psychotic disorders
- People currently experiencing serious mental health challenges
- People with unstable mental health conditions
- People on certain medications
- People in unsupportive or unprepared environments
Safety considerations for Penis Envy mushrooms vs. other strains
The main safety concern with Penis Envy shrooms is potency. Unlike more forgiving strains like Golden Teacher or B+, these mushrooms don’t have room for error. Proper dosage is crucial, and even a difference of 0.5 grams can change the outcome.
Golden Teacher is more forgiving, with a wider safe dosage range. B+ offers gradual, predictable effects. Penis Envy has a narrow dosage window, with extreme sensitivity to the amount consumed.
Here are some safety protocols for PE shrooms:
- Always have an experienced trip sitter present
- Start with a very low dose
- Prepare a calm, safe, controlled environment
- Make sure you’re in a stable mental and physical state
- Have access to water, comfort items, and a supportive presence
If you’re not properly prepared, the intense potency may trigger extreme anxiety, potential ego dissolution, overwhelming sensory experiences, and deep psychological confrontations.
Compared to other strains, Penis Envy demands a level of psychological preparation that goes beyond normal psychedelic experiences. If you’re considering this strain, prepare well, start slow, and prioritize safety above all else.
Legal considerations
In the US, psilocybe cubensis mushrooms are a Schedule I controlled substance at the federal level, making possession, cultivation, and distribution illegal. However, some jurisdictions have taken progressive steps17:
- Oregon became the first state to legalize therapeutic use of psilocybe cubensis in supervised settings
- Cities like Denver, Oakland, and Washington D.C. have decriminalized possession
- Some states are exploring medical research and potential therapeutic applications
In Canada, psilocybe cubensis is a controlled substance. However, there are some legal pathways opening up for medical and therapeutic use.
Health Canada has granted exemptions for end-of-life care and mental health treatment18. Some legal clinical trials and research programs are investigating psilocybe cubensis’s therapeutic potential.

From mild to wild with psilocybe cubensis mushroom strains
The different psilocybe cubensis mushroom strains offer a spectrum of experiences. From the gentle, educational trips of Golden Teacher to the mind-bending, consciousness-expanding Penis Envy.
Penis Envy mushrooms are powerful, intense, and not for the faint of heart. While strains like B+ and Golden Teacher offer a soft, exploratory journey, Penis Envy delivers a deep-dive into the depths of consciousness.
Beginners should proceed with caution, as Penis Envy mushrooms are potent. Experienced psychonauts may find therapeutic and personal growth potential in these fascinating fungi.
Interested in exploring psilocybe cubensis mushrooms? Browse Good Moods for a curated selection of shrooms and take your psychedelic journey to the next level. Our products are for research and educational purposes and align with religious and therapeutic guidelines.
References
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3. Beug, M. W., & Bigwood, J. (1982). Psilocybin and psilocin levels in twenty species from seven genera of wild mushrooms in the Pacific Northwest, U.S.A. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 5(3), 271–285. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-8741(82)90013-7
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8. (2024). Amazon.com. https://music.amazon.com/es-cl/podcasts/8b6e3410-6f5d-4b25-9299-4815416dfca3/episodes/4b648726-8ae8-4e47-b712-bad6ed491970/setset-show-with-april-pride-ep-59-golden-teacher-mushroom-review
9. Psilocin Valley. (2022, March 8). B+ Mushrooms | A Cultivator Classic | Strain Overview Ep. 2. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhnRxKDT0Ik
10. Brand, D. S. (2023, September 29). The Complete Grower’s Guide to Albino A+ Mushrooms. DoubleBlind Mag. https://doubleblindmag.com/albino-a-mushrooms/
11. Pritchard, O. (2024, January 18). Mazatapec Mushrooms: A Tale of Spiritual Exploration, Betrayal, and the Psychedelic Renaissance – Mycrologi. Mycrologi. https://mycrologi.com/mazatapec-mushrooms-a-tale-of-spiritual-exploration-betrayal-and-the-psychedelic-renaissance/
12. Penis envy mushrooms: Effects, benefits, risks, and more. (2022, November 22). Www.medicalnewstoday.com. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/penis-envy-mushrooms
13. Psilocybin Mushrooms: Types, Symptoms, Effects And Treatment. (n.d.). https://valleyspringrecovery.com/addiction/drug/mushroom/
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16. Psilocybin for Mental Health and Addiction: What You Need To Know. (2024, May). NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/psilocybe cubensis-for-mental-health-and-addiction-what-you-need-to-know
17. Wikipedia. (2021, October 8). Psilocybin decriminalization in the United States. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybin_decriminalization_in_the_United_States
18. Psychedelic Medicines 2024 – Canada | Global Practice Guides | Chambers and Partners. (2024). Chambers.com. https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/psychedelic-medicines-2024/canada/trends-and-developments